Full steam ahead in Charlesbridge

Librarians and teachers will soon have a slew of new books to recommend to young readers interested in science. Charlesbridge Publishing has teamed up with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in California on a grant-funded initiative called Count Play Explore to develop a series of science, technology, engineering, art, and math fiction books. The first STEAMworks titles are already in production, with additional acquisitions expected later this summer. (The publisher is accepting manuscripts for consideration through Sept. 1.) Eight board books for ages 3 and younger and eight picture books for ages 4 to 7, available in English and Spanish, will be published in 2026 and 2027.

Charlesbridge entered into the agreement last fall in response to the Department of Education’s search for a publishing partner. The two entities began collaborating on the series’ mission to engage young readers in STEAM themes and enhance their problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

For this initiative, Charlesbridge tapped into its network of authors and reached out to We Need Diverse Books and BIPOC writers’ groups to find potential writers. “At Charlesbridge, we have our own internal twist on the series name: ‘Teamwork Makes STEAM Work,’” says editor-in-chief Alyssa Mito Pusey. “We work hard with authors, illustrators, and our partners at Count Play Explore to make these books equally strong in terms of STEAM content, storytelling, diversity, and heart.”

While authors don’t have to be illustrators—Charlesbridge acquires manuscripts and matches writers with artists—they should demonstrate a passion for their subject. In addition, a STEAM background isn’t required, but familiarity with basic math and science concepts is a plus. “We’re looking for authors who can bring joy, playfulness, and authentic diversity to the books, and who can also bring their own curiosity and enthusiasm for STEAM to the stories,” Pusey adds.

Reviewing the manuscripts will be a collaborative effort. Charlesbridge will focus on storytelling, while Count Play Explore will focus on STEAM content. Together, they will determine whether the story is one that kids will love—which Pusey says is the most important element. So far, the response to the call for submissions has been steady, and Charlesbridge has several books in the acquisition process.

STEAMworks isn’t Charlesbridge’s first foray into math and science publishing. The company’s Storytelling Math series, now in its fourth year, will serve as a model for the new line, with its culturally and racially diverse characters and creators. According to Pusey, STEAMworks will expand on those concepts to include other areas of diversity, such as gender, ability, and socioeconomic status, and to include subjects beyond math, including science, technology, and engineering.

Charlesbridge has also made strides to strengthen its presence in other STEAM-related areas. Recent nonfiction titles include How to Explain Coding to an Adult by Ruth Spiro, a humorous guide for kids interested in technology; Imitator creators by Kristen Nordstrom, an exploration of 10 young naturalists who became inventors; and the Hands-On Science series by Lola M. Schaefer, a collection of titles that engages budding scientists through step-by-step experiments. STEAMworks will enhance Charlesbridge’s existing catalog and prepare the publisher for future releases of fiction on technology, engineering, and other topics.

The entire STEAMworks series and individual titles will be promoted through an educational symposium, speaking engagements, author book events, and national conference representation. Charlesbridge will once again rely on Penguin Random House for sales and distribution. “Our sales and marketing team will promote the Spanish/bilingual editions with the same dedication we do to our English editions,” Pusey says. “We’re excited to bring all the elements of STEAM together and offer young readers multiple entry points into these fields.”